Shloka 2.37.22

अयोध्याकाण्डे सर्गः ३७ — चीरधारणं, सीतासंकल्पः, वसिष्ठोपदेशः (Bark-Robe Episode and Vasistha’s Admonition)

Devanagari script

अतिप्रवृत्ते दुर्मेधे कैकेयि कुलपांसनि।वञ्चयित्वा च राजानं न प्रमाणेऽवतिष्ठसे।।2.37.22।।

Transliteration

atipravṛtte durmedhe kaikeyi kulapāṃsani | vañcayitvā ca rājānaṃ na pramāṇe 'vatiṣṭhase || 2.37.22 ||

Translation

You have gone beyond all bounds, O Kaikeyi of wicked understanding, a blot upon your lineage. Having deceived the king, you do not stand within the measure of dharma.

Context

.You are exceeding all limits of decency O Kaikeyi! your motive is evil. You are a disgrace to the race! You have deceived the king and your behaviour does not conform to the standards (of righteousness).

Characters & Entities

• Kaikeyi
• Dasharatha
• Dharma

FAQs

What dharmic standard is implied by the word 'pramāṇa' in this verse?

Here pramāṇa means the accepted norm or measure of righteous conduct—acting truthfully and justly without deceit, especially toward elders and the king.

Why is deceiving the king treated as a grave ethical fault in this context?

In the Ramayana’s dharma framework, the king embodies social order and pledged truth; deceiving him violates satya (truthfulness) and undermines rightful governance and familial duty.